I have a couple of question about the Spectrum Noir Markers. I was wondering do you have to use the paper that they sale, or is their some other card stock that will work equally as well for less money (it just seems that the card stock they sell for on their website is a bit pricey)? Also, I have heard some mixed reviews about the markers drying out really even when they have not been used a lot; has any one had major problems with this? Lastly, how do these compare to BIC Mark-its or Letraset ProMarkers? Any information will be appreciated.

I have a couple of question about the Spectrum Noir Markers. I was wondering do you have to use the paper that they sale, or is their some other card stock that will work equally as well for less money (it just seems that the card stock they sell for on their website is a bit pricey)? Also, I have heard some mixed reviews about the markers drying out really even when they have not been used a lot; has any one had major problems with this? Lastly, how do these compare to BIC Mark-its or Letraset ProMarkers? Any information will be appreciated.

I had one marker that was dry right out of the package. I emailed the company and they quickly sent me a replacement marker free of charge, didn't even cost me shipping.

Paper - I have never used specialty paper for anything. For my white card stock I use the Walmart brand. The SN markers do bleed through the card stock, but Copics would also. Since I always do layering on my cards it really doesn't matter to me. It is advisable to not color right up to the edge on a stamped image so it doesn't bleed over the line.

Sharpies - I have a whole Sharpie collection. The SN blend perfectly with Sharpies. The reason I wanted the SN markers is that there is really no such thing as a pastel or light color with the Sharpies - despite what the cap color indicates. They are all very vibrant.

I absolutely love these markers. I would never consider buying Copics, they were way out of my price range. I'm not a professional artist. So, the SN suit my purposes completely.

I use Spectrum Noir pens almost very day. They are wonderful....and refillable ! You must be careful to replace your caps tightly on any alcohol marker as they evaporate (due to the alcohol) and dry out...but usually one will last for a long time when used properly.

I have them on sale in my Etsy shop, and you can also get a small pkg of the papers. It is super smooth , and coated to prevent soaking through . You should never try to color with porous cardstock as it will ruin your work with the bleeding. Sometimes I use some cheap paper to test the colors, but when I have an important image to stamp and color, I go for the better cardstock. You get what you pay for.

I first had Bic markers, which introduced me to the benefits of alcohol markers, are very inexpensive, and are something I don't mind sharing with my daughter. There are no soft, subtle, pastel colors, and not enough colors/shades to do any blending or shading. I then started buying the lighter shades of Promarkers and have now collected all of them! I love them! I cannot compare SN as I have never used them. I do know that they are more easily available (can purchase with coupons) and are less expensive, but have heard some negatives about them. and the company Plus I had started collecting Promarkers before the SN were on the scene.

I use Spectrum Noir pens almost very day. They are wonderful....and refillable ! You must be careful to replace your caps tightly on any alcohol marker as they evaporate (due to the alcohol) and dry out...but usually one will last for a long time when used properly.

I have them on sale in my Etsy shop, and you can also get a small pkg of the papers. It is super smooth , and coated to prevent soaking through . You should never try to color with porous cardstock as it will ruin your work with the bleeding. Sometimes I use some cheap paper to test the colors, but when I have an important image to stamp and color, I go for the better cardstock. You get what you pay for.

I love the Promarkers, don't know much about the SN markers. I've found the best source for promarkers is the Letraset site. They're great about shipping internationally (they are located in Great Britain) and free shipping for over $33!! Plus they use paypal. I've ordered most of my markers from them.

I've been using Copics and just picked up a few Spectrum Noir pens. I can quickly see I like the Copics better. Different flow of ink. Spectrum colors nice enough. Paper, I asked that question not too long ago and one of the papers that a lot of people recommended to me was the Hammermill 80lb. Says Color Copy Digital Cover on the front of the package I got. Works great through my printers too. If you do a LOT of layering, the ink can be seen through the back but I've yet to have it soak into anything under it (and given that I'm pretty new to doing this, that says a lot :) ). I got mine off Amazon, but I have free shipping.

I love my Spectrum Noir markers. I haven't had any problems with any of them drying out. I always layer my cards too. But, if I decide to color right on the card I have some heavy card stock. I can't remember the lb. right now.I refused to pay for Copics. I am not a professional, so I don't need a marker made for them. I used my friend's and they do color nicely, tho!!

I started with Copic buying the one at a time at Michaels with coupons.Then my daughter said "hey mom I have a bunch of those."She said I could have them to use. Of course she can use them whenever she wants. lolI am still slowly building my collection for skin and hair colors.

Then I found Spectrum Noir sets at Joanns.I started collecting the sets one at a time yep you guessed it with coupons. lolWhen I bought them a few didn't have their tops on completely in the package so they were dried out.I wish I would have thought to contact the company before I threw the packaging away because others have said the company replaced theirs for them when it happened to them.

I also have both Copics and Spectrum Noir markers. I think the Spectrum Noir are a great deal for the price. I do think that the Copics blend a bit better and are easier to use but both types work and they blend together well. Here is a card I made using both:

I started with Copic buying the one at a time at Michaels with coupons.Then my daughter said "hey mom I have a bunch of those."She said I could have them to use. Of course she can use them whenever she wants. lolI am still slowly building my collection for skin and hair colors.

Then I found Spectrum Noir sets at Joanns.I started collecting the sets one at a time yep you guessed it with coupons. lolWhen I bought them a few didn't have their tops on completely in the package so they were dried out.I wish I would have thought to contact the company before I threw the packaging away because others have said the company replaced theirs for them when it happened to them.

I have and use both types of pens.

D~

I didn't have the packaging anymore either. I just went to their website and emailed them about the dry markers. I included the marker # that's on the cap and my address. They shipped one out to me.

I also have both Copics and Spectrum Noir markers. I think the Spectrum Noir are a great deal for the price. I do think that the Copics blend a bit better and are easier to use but both types work and they blend together well. Here is a card I made using both:

I had never heard of these so thanks for sharing. I have always thought Copic were too expensive so I avoided even starting...you know...one is OK but if you get more than two you have to have the whole collection..that is my mentality!!!! I will look into Spectrum Noir!

Spectrum Noir pens are great. I agree you need to be careful with replacing the caps. The company will replace the dried out ones with no problem at all.

I cannot afford the other markers so these are great for me.

I haven't invested in the better paper. I use Card stock from Staples. It's 120 pound an it is great. The markers bleed thru if you over do it, If you just color in the space with the several colors it is great. It does not pile up when you color it. And it makes for a great for a card base. This way I am able to save on the postage also.

I invested in the complete set and am learning to use them. It is really fun!!!

I like how they blend with my Bic's and Sharpies. All of those markers are very vibrant, so when I got the SN lights and pastel collection I was very pleased. I don't use markers exclusively. I do alot of coloring with my colored pencils and odorless mineral spirits. So the SN markers are a good fit for me - and they are affordable.

Thanks so much everyone for your answers and suggestions. I just ordered the Hammermill 80 lb paper since that was recommended by a few people. So far, I love the markers...I think I will love them even more once I find paper that stops the bleeding! I did run into a few dry markers so I will be giving the company a call to replace them. Once again, thank you all for your help!

I love the Spectrum Noirs and if they are dry the company will send you new ones. You don't have the packaging. The best paper that I have found, and I've tried a lot including the brand they say to use and then some, is Stampin' Up's Whisper White. Also when you color you need to use a light hand and stay away from the lines a little. Using a light hand will help with the bleeding. Just keep practicing and you will be good to go. There are a lot of videos on You Tube as well. They are a good marker, not as good as Copics, but like others have said, I'm not a pro at coloring so they are fine for me.

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